Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Researchers from Ragon Institute develop a computational method to analyze viral protein sequences, identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited for vaccine development. The approach uses spin glass models and fitness landscapes to predict the prevalence of mutant proteins, providing a new way to design effective HIV vaccines.
A new study warns that widespread adoption of the 'test and treat' policy for HIV could lead to a significant increase in multi-drug resistant HIV cases. The study suggests that this approach could double the number of MDR cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) in LA County over the next 10 years.
Researchers developed computer models that accurately predict how patients with failing HIV treatments will respond to new therapies, identifying alternative effective regimens. The models were trained on thousands of global clinic data and showed promise for improving patient outcomes in resource-limited settings.
A new study suggests that current CDC guidelines for HIV screening are too restrictive, recommending less frequent testing for both high- and low-risk groups. More frequent screenings, up to every three months for high-risk individuals and every three years for low-risk groups, would be cost-effective in the long run.
A study published in AIDS journal reports that patients with undetectable viral loads and near-normal immune cell counts on antiretroviral therapy have similar mortality rates to the general population. However, those with lower CD4+ cell counts were at increased risk of death.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed nanoparticles carrying melittin, a toxin found in bee venom, that can destroy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) while leaving surrounding cells unharmed. This finding offers an important step towards developing a vaginal gel that may prevent the spread of HIV.
Albert Einstein College of Medicine researchers have been awarded a $12 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop a drug-impregnated intravaginal ring to prevent HIV infection in women. The device aims to provide safe and effective prevention strategies for women at increased risk of HIV infection.
A randomized controlled study found that computer-generated reminders significantly improved compliance with patient care guidelines in a pediatric HIV clinic in Eldoret, Kenya. The study resulted in a four-fold increase in completion of overdue clinical tasks, including laboratory tests and referrals.
A new study found that community-based HIV-prevention efforts can significantly increase testing rates and reduce new infections. The trial demonstrated a 14% reduction in new HIV infections compared to control communities.
A new report by researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine highlights significant confusion among health and social care professionals about criminal prosecutions for HIV transmission. The study recommends improving best practice, training, and online resources to reduce stigma and promote public health.
A study led by Katherine Luzuriaga and Deborah Persaud shows that early ART can curtail the formation of hard-to-treat viral sanctuaries. Five HIV-infected teenagers who started ART within two months of exposure had lower copy numbers of viral DNA compared to those who started later.
The study demonstrates that community efforts can significantly increase HIV testing rates, especially among men and young individuals. The intervention communities showed a 45% higher rate of testing for men compared to control communities, leading to a 14% reduction in new HIV infections.
Two important studies published in the March issue of AIDS found that current CDC HIV screening guidelines may be too conservative, especially for low-risk groups, and that heavy drinking leads to increased HIV risk for men who have sex with men. The studies suggest that frequent testing and addressing risky behaviors can help prevent ...
The VOICE study found that daily use of vaginal gel or oral tablets did not prevent HIV in young, unmarried African women. Most participants did not use their assigned products as recommended, resulting in high rates of HIV acquisition among this population.
A recent study published in BMC Psychology found that people with HIV have difficulty recognizing facial expressions, particularly fear, and are more likely to experience memory problems. The researchers suggest that this impairment can be debilitating and impact daily life and personal interactions.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against daily supplementation with vitamin D ≤ 400 IU and calcium ≤ 1,000 mg for fracture prevention in postmenopausal women. Daily supplementation has no net benefit and increases the risk of kidney stones, according to a systematic evidence review.
The large-scale antiretroviral treatment (ART) program in rural South Africa has led to a rapid and dramatic increase in population adult life expectancy, with gains observed in both men and women. The benefit of providing ART far outweighs the cost, with a cost-effectiveness ratio of $1593 per life year saved.
Research reveals that marijuana use among Russian HIV-infected individuals with risky drinking habits is associated with increased sharing of needles, multiple sexual partners, and unprotected sex. This finding may help clinicians identify those at higher risk of transmitting HIV.
Research suggests a significant proportion of HIV positive patients are not disclosing their infection to NHS staff, potentially skewing estimates of undiagnosed HIV. This phenomenon may be linked to fear of judgment or stigma, highlighting the need for further study and education.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a natural protein called cholesterol-25-hydroxylase (CH25H) that can block the entry of HIV and other deadly viruses into cells. The protein, which is activated by interferon, produces an oxysterol that can permeate cell walls and inhibit viral growth.
The global response to NCDs can benefit from the successful integration strategies of HIV/AIDS and TB treatment. Building on these partnerships and investments will be crucial in addressing the rising NCD burden, which will overwhelm health systems due to multimorbidity.
Researchers led by Ken Williams are studying cell types that contribute to an HIV viral reservoir and developing new therapies to control the virus's debilitating effects. The team aims to target specific cells and cellular activity linked to conditions like dementia, cardiovascular disease, and nerve damage.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that HIV exploits a human cytokine called interleukin 7 (IL-7) in semen to promote its own transmission. The researchers discovered that the increased concentration of IL-7 in semen facilitates HIV transmission to cervical tissue ex vivo.
Researchers found that African American and Latino men who have sex with men voluntarily used health-related Facebook groups to discuss HIV knowledge, stigma, and prevention, leading to increased requests for home-based HIV tests. The study suggests social media can be a useful tool for collecting and analyzing data, saving money and i...
Researchers are investigating how macrophage activation affects nerve damage in HIV patients, with the goal of developing biomarkers for early detection and potential treatments.
A study found that conditional cash transfer programs can improve behavior among gay men and male sex workers in Mexico City. Gay men would participate at a rate of over 75% if offered $7-8.75/month, while male sex workers would participate for significantly less, $156/year.
Researchers at UC San Diego will investigate factors promoting successful aging in HIV-infected adults, including resilience and biomarkers of physical and cognitive aging.
A new study finds that extra-couple transmission accounts for 30% of new HIV infections in men and 10% in women within stable partnerships. Targeting all heterosexual routes of transmission with test-and-treat strategies could be key to fighting the epidemic.
A UK study found that improved prevention measures failed to reduce HIV levels among men who have sex with men in England and Wales, despite increased testing and treatment rates. The researchers suggest that targeting the most-at-risk groups and initiating treatment earlier may be necessary to bring about a drop in HIV incidence.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that patient satisfaction with care is associated with higher adherence to antiretroviral therapy and retention in HIV care. Patients who were more satisfied had better clinical outcomes, including improved survival rates.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that patient-directed problem-solving approaches improved HIV drug adherence, with patients taking nearly twice as many prescribed doses as those in standard care. This approach also led to a 50% improvement in viral suppression rates.
A UCLA-led study found that older adults' general mistrust of the government and AIDS-related conspiracy theories significantly impact their willingness to get tested for HIV. Despite venues offering free testing, 45% of participants had not taken an HIV test in the past year.
The Pitt team found that targeting Nef, a small HIV protein, could prevent it from replicating and infecting other cells. They discovered a compound called B9 that blocks Nef activity, impairing its function in the viral replication process.
A new mobile device can perform laboratory-quality HIV testing in just 15 minutes and sync results with patient health records globally. It also detects weakly positive samples missed by existing rapid tests, revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment for people in resource-limited settings.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have engineered key immune cells to resist HIV infection by inactivating a receptor gene and inserting additional anti-HIV genes. The new approach, known as 'stacking,' provides multiple layers of protection against the virus and could potentially replace drug treatment.
Scientists at the University of Missouri are working on a $3.4 million NIH project to create next-generation antiviral therapies by targeting the elusive HIV enzyme RNase H. The goal is to be ready for evolving resistant strains before they emerge, offering new treatment options.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins has identified a system that makes certain immune cells impervious to HIV infection. The discovery suggests a new approach to eradicating the virus from the body by targeting non-dividing cells.
Researchers found selective D-dimer testing safe and efficient in reducing diagnostic testing for suspected deep vein thrombosis. A three-pill generic-based regimen for HIV treatment could save up to $1 billion annually while being slightly less effective than the current one-pill regimen. State medical boards generally agree on invest...
A new study found that doctors who are culturally aware provide better quality of care to HIV patients from ethnic minorities. These patients tend to manage their treatment and condition better and have improved health outcomes. Increasing healthcare provider cultural competence can reduce racial disparities in both the quality of care...
A Danish study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that HIV patients who smoke lose more years of life to smoking than to HIV infection. Researchers estimated the effect of smoking on mortality and life expectancy among nearly 3,000 HIV-infected patients treated in Denmark from 1995 to 2010.
Researchers from IrsiCaixa have identified a molecule on the surface of dendritic cells that recognizes and binds HIV gangliosides, allowing the virus to be taken up by these cells and transmitted to CD4 T lymphocytes. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments against AIDS.
Scientists tracked the origins of HIV and discovered potential genetic resistance in West African human populations. The study found overlaps between selection signatures and protective genes against HIV-1, which may have evolved to counteract the virus.
A new study by Tony Antoniou found that HIV hospitalizations in Ontario declined significantly since the introduction of combination antiretroviral drug therapy in 1996-97. However, women with HIV and low-income individuals continue to face higher rates of hospitalization compared to men and high-income patients.
Non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, accounted for nearly two-thirds of all deaths globally in 2010. Ischaemic heart disease and stroke were responsible for one in four deaths, a significant increase from the previous decade.
Research finds that HIV-infected children have a 2.5-fold increased risk of early atherosclerosis damage, leading to cardiovascular disease. Experts recommend aggressive treatment of high cholesterol and promotion of healthy lifestyles to prevent complications.
A new study published in AIDS Journal found that HIV subtype distribution is strongly influenced by spatial accessibility and transportation networks in Africa. The research used advanced mapping techniques to assess the role of 'spatial connectivity' in the spread of HIV across sub-Saharan Africa.
Scientists at IMIM and UPF have simulated the release of HIV protease, a protein responsible for the virus's maturation process. This breakthrough could lead to the design of new antiretroviral therapies by understanding how free protease appears during the maturation process.
Routine use of upper endoscopy for most GERD patients does not improve patient health and may lead to unnecessary interventions. Computer alerts in HIV care improve patient outcomes by notifying providers of adverse events or missed appointments, leading to better follow-up practices.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a versatile platform to offer contraception and prevent HIV using electrically spun cloth with nanometer-sized fibers. The fabric can dissolve to release drugs, providing immediate or sustained protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
A study found that antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the HIV-positive partner in a serodiscordant couple significantly reduces HIV transmission rates, with a 26% relative reduction. However, the protective effect of ART seemed to only last for one year.
Researchers discover that JQ1 can reactivate latent HIV by activating the virus in the presence of potent therapy, making it vulnerable to current treatments. The study also found potent suppression of inflammatory genes, suggesting its potential effectiveness against other inflammatory conditions.
Routine HIV testing can significantly reduce AIDS-related morbidity and death, as well as HIV transmission. Implementing this strategy would provide a roadmap for an AIDS-free generation.
Two new clinical practice guidelines from six organizations address testing for patients with stable ischemic heart disease (IHD), recommending thorough history and physical examination prior to additional testing. A separate study found that adding testosterone to sildenafil therapy does not improve erectile function in men with low t...
A new study at the University of Cincinnati uses computer-based simulation modeling to estimate the operational disruption and lost opportunity costs of introducing HIV testing into emergency departments. The research aims to provide valuable guidance for hospitals and policymakers on implementing HIV screening programs.
A new study published in Hepatology found that African American women co-infected with HIV and HCV have lower liver-related mortality rates compared to Caucasian and Hispanic women. This finding suggests that racial disparities in liver disease may be influenced by other factors beyond just the presence of the virus.
A new approach to HIV vaccine development is underway, aiming to induce protective antibodies without increasing HIV-specific T helper cells. The project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, seeks to build on earlier studies showing that certain antibodies can protect against HIV infection.
A new HIV test developed at Northwestern University is being tested in Mozambique to deliver a diagnosis in under an hour. The test has a 95% accuracy rate and could significantly improve the rates of infected infants being diagnosed and treated, potentially saving thousands of lives.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that provider-initiated HIV testing does not negatively impact clients' consent practices, confidentiality, and referral to care. The research suggests that various modes of access can be scaled up without compromising individuals' rights.
A study published in The Journal of Cell Biology identifies a motor protein that helps HIV replicate in macrophages. KIF3A drives the virus along microtubules, facilitating its release from these cells. Inhibiting KIF3A may provide a new strategy for combating HIV.
Research at IDWeek 2012 reveals high rates of HIV medication errors in hospitalized patients, but studies suggest that combining electronic records with clinical education can significantly decrease errors. Hospitals are implementing quality improvement measures to address the issue.